Questions in regards to border

[Ferirosha]

Ok, so what do I do? At first I was told that not bringing money = suspicious, but now if I do bring in money I'm also suspicious?

I feel like I'm stuck in a loop here? What do I do? I need be able to prove that I would not starve to death or anything in Canada, and from what I have also been told, relaying responsibility and saying my fiance will take care of me completely is also a redflag.

I'm stuck here.

Also, how am I a burden for Canada's welfare system when I'm only a visitor..?? I wouldn't even be eligible....

Also, would it not help that I'm not that old? I'd rather not disclose my age, I am 18+ but under 21. To be on welfare at this age means I just needed help as anyone over the age of 15 and living alone would be eligible for welfare here to help out. It's not like I'm 40, on welfare and just can't be bothered to look for a job or something like that.. (This is NZ. I know USA and other countries have different eligibility rules for welfare. But mine counts as 'Youth Support'.)

 

[CDNPR2014]

i think you are reading too much into things. i'm not sure who suggested bringing money will make you look suspicious. travelers have to have money to travel, so bring as much money that you would need to support yourself for the trip. whether it's cash or in a bank account where you can access it by atm, it doesn't matter. if you bring more than $10,000 cash, you will have to declare it. i don't think travelers having a large amount of cash is suspicious, it's quite common. they'd rather see you have money to pay your way than not.

really, all you have to do is act like a visitor and talk like a visitor. act as though your plan is to go back home and if you get married, then you will apply for pr. as long as you act accordingly and don't act like you are moving to canada without pr status, you will be fine. more than likely, you won't even be sent to secondary.

 

[Ferirosha]

Yes but I responded to that as canuck_in_uk said to not say I'm on welfare. But that's how I get money, that's how my rent is paid and that's how I can save up... I didn't know that being on welfare would stop me from entering Canada as a visitor. I'm worried because I know that I'm not trying anything, I just want to get in and get out of border as soon as I can without being suspicious. But I know a question they will for sure ask if I work or not, which I would respond "no". And if they ask how I have money, I'd tell them I'm on welfare here and I saved up, will that really jeopardize my chances of getting in? I'd hope not, as I'm stating to CBSA that I'm visiting with a lot of proof, including documents of my place in NZ, return tickets, and etc?

 

[mcharade]

I agree with the people above, don't say things like "moving" or "living". Right now, you're technically trying to come in with a visitor's visa and then live in Canada (though still on visit status). In the eyes of the CBSA that is the same as trying to illegally immigrate. It's probably better to avoid bringing up that you might stay longer if possible. Obviously, you should be honest with the officers. Don't lie to them even if you think you might get turned away because lying will get you in more trouble.

I think it's good you have a return ticket. I also bought one when I came to Canada just in case I was asked any questions. (Luckily, I was just waved through and no one even looked at my passport). I think it's a good idea to have the landlord letter. And if they ask you how you could save $2000 without a job, explain the welfare system to them. Tell them how NZ supports young people living alone. Then they'll know it's not like Canada's system and maybe they'll be more lenient. I think you should probably keep your place in NZ for now. If they think you're high risk they could restrict your stay to the 2 weeks you told them about, and if that were to happen you'd need to return to NZ at that time. In that case, you'd need somewhere to live!

Honestly, I think you'll be fine. Just don't joke to them "Oh, it'd be nice to stay longer.... but I know it's illegal." Which is what I stupidly did (because I got nervous and make inappropriate jokes when that happens) at the land crossing. I was turned away that time, but luckily the officer didn't make me sign an official order.

Good luck!

 

[Ferirosha]

Yes, I had planned to say that I was visiting my fiance for 2 weeks and I have a return ticket which I would have printed out for them to see. I'll put it on hold although I'll have to pay 150$ for landlord to keep the place for an extra week... Sadly.

As Decoy said, because I'm from a visa-exempt country I'm likely to be stamped for 6 months which is what I'd be hoping for. I'm by no means trying to get in illegally, but I know I must go through border as a visitor, and THEN apply for PR. I'll get an official document proving that I do infact live where I claim I live in NZ right now, and that should hopefully drop red flags.

I was told that even if I got 2 weeks time, I could apply for an extension if I have a good reason (marrying fiance to live with him), and I would be allowed to stay until decision is made by CIC(?).

What I learned from watching the shows and advice from people is that CBSA are people but they don't appreciate jokes, they'd see it as a red flag instead for you trying to go off topic or something.. So I'm just going to answer the questions truthfully and not mention the PR part.

I guess my last concern is if I tell CBSA I'm visiting, and then apply (to CIC, I think) for longer stay if it's only 2 weeks visitor's pass, is it suspicious? Or are they completely different and won't regard to what I told CBSA as plans can definitely change over time?

 

[Kayaker]

Yes, with the CBSA, answer everything truthfully but don't start blurting out your entire life plans etc... just answer what they ask you. IF you think that they are really suspicious about you, just remember that they want to see that you understand the rules and are going to abide by them. Don't give them the impression you're going to wing it. Explain that you want to get married to your fiance, go back home to NZ, and apply for PR. But it's far more likely that they are not going to be suspicious.

Of course, plans CAN change. It's up to CBSA to decide if you can enter or Canada and for how long. But once you're here, it's up to CIC to decide if you can stay here longer. The two branches of government don't exactly work with the same criteria and agendas. So think of it as separate issues - entering Canada, and staying in Canada. With CBSA, don't use words like "move" or "live" - stick to the word "visit". With CIC it doesn't really matter - I think they care more about whether you're going to work illegally or something, so proof of funds or financial support (from your soon to be husband) is important to show.

As for welfare, I don't think it's necessary to volunteer that you're on welfare - unless specifically asked. If they ask you where you got the money you can say you had it saved up. That's true, isn't it? Or you parents gave it to you or loaned it to you. $2000 is certainly a nice amount to show for a 2 week visit, but it's not such a large amount that they would be suspicious of illegal activity or anything.

For customs - as a visitor, they are assuming that whatever you bring in to Canada will be consumed by you, or taken back to NZ by you at the end of your visit. I believe there is a limit on gifts you are bringing into Canada - something like $60 per recipient. So as long as it appears as if you are coming for a 2 week stay and you are bringing a normal amount of electronics (such as laptop, camera, phone, etc.) you should have no problem at all.

Don't freak out too much - reality TV isn't a good indicator of what will happen. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best!

Good luck!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Ok, so what do I do? At first I was told that not bringing money = suspicious, but now if I do bring in money I'm also suspicious?

Also, how am I a burden for Canada's welfare system when I'm only a visitor..?? I wouldn't even be eligible....

The is not what I said at all. Carrying money is not suspicious; the fact the you are on welfare is the issue.

Regarding suspicion, I don't know how your country is but in Canada, people can't save thousands of dollars on welfare, as it is meant to cover only the basics of life. For CBSA, having $2000 while being on welfare could be seen as suspicious.

I should have said Canada's social systems, not welfare. There are many services that any person can access in Canada because they won't turn people in need.


To be honest, you are seriously over stressing about this. You have a few thousand dollars, a return ticket and you are from a visa-exempt country. Don't be nervous, don't volunteer anything extra, answer the questions without your life story. Just relax and it should be fine.

 

[Ferirosha]

Okay, I'm relieved then.

How would I respond if they ask what I work as, I respond with I dont have a job, and then they'd ask 'how did you get 2000 for this trip?' I could say I saved up, but how? I don't work, so where's my source of money? That's another issue as I'd have to confess being on welfare in NZ.

Perhaps I'm being TOO cautious... Then again, I'd rather not waste a 2000 dollar ticket either... Sorry to be blurting out so many questions but I really want to be safe.

And canuck, in New Zealand you are provided enough money for certain circumstances. For example, my rent is paid for me and I get enough money per week for food + extra. When talking to my agent whom works for the Ministry of Social Development, she even suggested that I could save up since I had mentioned that my smart phone was breaking down. I know that the systems are different here and in Canada, but NZ is a little bit more lenient in terms of 'wel-fare', as the government here supports Elderly, disabled, people on medication, people looking for jobs, young people from 15 to 20 years old, pregnant mothers, and etc.

Thank you though!

 

[Kayaker]

Did you previously have a job? You could say "I used to work in retail (or whatever it is you did) and had it saved up from then." Or, $2000 isn't too big an amount to claim you borrowed it from your parents/grandparents/etc.

Anyway, 99.9% CBSA is not going to ask you how you got the $2000. It's not a huge amount of money. It's normal for a 2 week stay.

 

[Ferirosha]

Well, I only ever volunteer worked... I've never worked for money before. Are they able to check your employment history?
If I'm trying to not tell them about welfare, then I could just say I saved up somehow? Not sure how I'd get by though.

 

[Kayaker]

They can't check your work history. I mean, they probably could request such information from the NZ government (for example when you apply for PR, CIC will request info on you from NZ to verify your background - but that's mostly family info and criminal records) but such information requests take time and nobody is going to hold you in a cell for days until the NZ gov responds $2000 isn't a lot of money to sweat over.

Just say you're a student and your family has been supporting you and you saved up. Don't be vague, don't say "somehow". I think when they hear vague terms like "somehow" or "some friends" they instantly jump to the conclusion that you have something really really illegal to hide.

 

[Ferirosha]

Well, I wouldn't want them to call and disturb my family members either.
I was thinking of maybe saying that I baked and sold some minor stuff and saved up that way, since a lot of people bake cookies, cupcakes, etc and sell it at their school grounds for money. Would that be suspicious? That or I could say I worked for a bit, although I'd prefer to not lie about working.

Last question, I swear!

 

[Aquakitty]

Dear lord. All you need to say is you are visiting your GF for 2 weeks so she can show you the Canadian sites. At most they will ask you for proof of funds and where/ what you will be doing. You are way overthinking this. Don't say fiance, don't say marriage, don't say "living, moving or welfare".

If you are really paranoid or have something suspicious in your phone messages delete it a few days before you go so all your messages are "clean".

None of this is illegal.

 

[km9203]

Hi there, I posted here before and I received some amazing answers, so I'm asking here again

I know this is dumb but I have been watching the reality show called "Border Security: Canada's Front Line".
With a few people I've noticed that they interrogate you, with one example being;
"Okay you're visiting your fiance/girlfriend/boyfriend, what if he/she wants to marry you? Will you stay here? What's going to happen?"
With the people answering that they would stay, they got rejected. Does this mean if I answer truthfully I will be rejected?

Reason being as to why application is not done before is because we need to meet up first to marry (as online marriage certificates are not valid), and only then will we be eligible for PR, so of course I will be a visitor temporarily.

I'd also like to know at what point they'd ask to inspect your phone. I do have private conversations, none of which suggests I work, but suggests I'd stay in Canada as I do plan on moving there, BUT I need to go there first to even be eligible since we'd need a marriage certificate. I am planning on answering truthfully, suggested to go as a visitor first and act like one, but I'm worried about them being suspicious or too cautious. I have a police certificate and medical history just in case they want to see it, and I'm only bringing 2 luggages full of my own belongings with 2000CAD. Would that be suspicious?

If I was allowed in with only 2 weeks (my return ticket is 2 weeks), am I still allowed to apply for an extension, even if CBSA lists me as a strict visitor of some sort? (NZ passport).

Thanks in advance!

In regards to the bold, have you even met before? The way you worded that makes you sound like you haven't? If you haven't, you should consider just having a vacation to Canada first before getting married. If you get married after the first meeting, CIC (immigration) could have suspicions that it's a marriage of convenience, even though you are from NZ...or it could just make your application longer if they want to interview you.

If you have met before, ignore my comment

 

[Kayaker]

Look, I know you're paranoid, but what if they ask you if you had a license from the health dept to sell your cookies? What if they ask you how much taxes you've paid on that income? What if they assume that you're going to bake cookies in unsanitary conditions in Canada and sell them under the table?!?!?!?!?!

Don't worry, you're supposed to laugh. I just wanted to point out that by trying to come up with an excuse for a very plausible matter (somebody having 2000$ for a two week trip) you're coming up with suspicious excuses that could land you in trouble. You saved the money up. Maybe from odd jobs, like washing somebody's cars. Or saved up cash gifts over the years from your grandma. And they're not going to call your grandma to verify this. Or your parents.